What are essential oils? In today's society we tend to live stressful lifestyles with little time for ourselves. Stress can be a catalyst to many discomforts to our physical being. Aromatherapy can help relieve many common physical ailments as well as help us maintain emotional stability. Here are some suggested ways of introducing essential oils to our everyday life:

Massage: Massage is considered one of the most important methods of applying the essential oils, add approximately 5 drops of essential oil to 10 mls carrier oil and enjoy pure relaxation as the massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Bath: What better way to relax after a long day at work, than to indulge in a hot bath. Premix 20 mls of sweet almond oil with 10 drops of your choice of essential oils and pour half of the amount into the bathtub. Let the benefits of the essential oils absorb into your skin while the fragrance works to uplift your spirit.

Vaporization: Oil diffusers are an easy and effective way to disperse essential oils. There are many different oil diffusing devices available at New directions to complement a wide variety of needs. From the humble tea light oil burner to the electric oil diffuser. Add 6-12 drops of your choice of essential oil to water and let the aroma diffuse into the room and cleanse the air.

Inhalation: This is a great way to relieve a blocked nose. Add 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of very hot water. Inhale the vapor for 5- 10 minutes preferably with a towel covering your head, and breathe deeply.

Skincare: At New directions we sell a wide variety of natural skin care bases. You can customise your moisturiser depending on your skins needs. Please refer to the recipe section of our web site to see what essential oils are best for your skin type. To 100 ml moisturizer base add 15-20 drops of the recommended essential oils.

Compresses: This is a very effective way of using essential oils to relieve pain, swelling and to reduce inflammation. Hot compresses are often used to reduce pain of a chronic nature. Cold compresses can be used on tired and overworked muscles and acute pain. Add 4-5 drops of essential oils to hot or cold water. Dip a clean cloth into the water solution and wring it, then cover the area being treated with the compress. Cover the compress with a plastic wrap and a small towel on top. Leave the compress on for a couple of hours.To read this article click here.

How do antioxidants affect the skin? Antioxidants are vital to help combat the damaging effects of free radicals and protect our skin and bodies cells. Free radical damage is caused by the effects of the suns harmful rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, unhealthy diets, medications and other external environmental factors. We consume antioxidants through certain foods but our skin also needs extra protection via topical applications as the skin is often the last to receive the benefits of antioxidants consumed orally.

In an age of technology, it may seem confounding that one of the most challenging tasks for chemists is to keep a cosmetic formulation as natural as the plant the ingredients came from. But capturing the simple purity of nature in a modern formulation without resorting to any manmade chemicals, according to our Cosmetic Chemist, is not an easy task. The modern day consumer isn't partial to the crude formulations of yesteryear he says, referring to the time where toners were plants steeped in alcohol and applied straight to the skin, and moisturizers were nothing more than greasy unguents infused with herbs and plants.

Consumers expect high performance from their skincare. They have been exposed to and are therefore accustomed to the consistent and smooth texture of synthetic formulations, says our Chemist, one that lathers perfectly, isn't greasy, smells beautiful, and glides on the skin. But he believes there is a growing desire for natural ingredients which he says poses a challenge as, natural emulsifiers, surfactants and preservatives, basically all the ingredients you need to make a nice homogenous cosmetic cream are often a lot more volatile to work with than their synthetic counterparts. We can manipulate synthetics to behave how we want, and smell how we want, but nature's offerings are far harder to tame. Certain plants like soapwort for example will create a very mild and gentle lather, but from a tactile perspective, it is not nearly as impressive as the visual drama of a synthetic ingredient such as sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant that creates big and impressive bubbles. However, he adds, people with sensitive skin swear by the skin health benefits of soapwort, and sodium lauryl sulfate now carries health warnings on some products in the US.
In the past, synthetic ingredients have been the preferred choice of cosmetic brands over natural ingredients because of their reasonable price point. However stresses our Chemist, there are other benefits. Synthetic preservatives for example are far easier to use, more predictable in what and how they preserve, and ...

The Benefit of Herbs Herbal medicine is an ancient and traditional practice, used in many Eastern and Western countries. In many cultures it is part of main stream living and it is the preferred source of alleviating and preventing dis-ease. For many years the medicinal properties of plants have been documented and used worldwide. Some modern uses of herbs include incorporating their healing properties in cosmetic preparations. They have been used in a variety of topical applications including;

Ointments

Creams

Compresses- a liquid extract is used when making a compress.

Poultices- the dry herb is used when making a poultice.

Liniments- a liquid extract or herb oil is used when making a liniment to massage into the skin.

Oils- try our infused herbal oils.

At New Directions we sell a variety of cosmetic bases, ranging from skincare, hair products and for those who are more experimental, raw materials to allow you to experiment and come up with your own individual product. To read this article click here.

I can't thank you enough for a fabulous workshop.I felt like I was suspended in a bubble of amazingness. The day went way too fast. The information was fantastic. You and Nina hosted the day. And your workshop was the bestest thing I could have done.

Katie Wasiak - Naturopath

We are an aromatherapy business who have been ordering essential oils, raw materials and packaging from New Directions for a number of years. We are extremely happy with the quality of their essential oils, their pricing structures and the prompt and safe delivery of our orders. They are also very happy to answer any questions we have and provide advice if we are unsure about how to use a particular product or raw ingredient. We highly recommend them as a supplier of high quality, cost effective ingredients!

Thank you New Directions for helping us establish our business success over the last few years. Your products, raw materials, packaging is excellent, and your staff feel more like friends than employees. The workshops have really helped us establish our knowledge base and moved Planet Yum up into the market. Well done!

I just wanted to say thank you for giving a high quality product at reasonable prices. I received my 2nd order from you yesterday and to say I'm thrilled is an understatement. Keep up the great work, my next order will be bigger again. I'm telling everyone I know about your company.

Kylee Lowe - Witchey Poo Crystals

Just wanted to say thank you to you all for such a great company and brilliant products.Every time we receive our parcels, there is always a yummy free gift that is such a special treat.

Since I became a customer of yours about 12 months ago, I have spoken to many people about how impressive the New Directions after sales service is. Your staff are always very helpful and friendly and knowledgeable....Thanks again for making me such a brilliantly happy customer

Kelly Ingram - KJ Essentials

Just wanted to say a big thank you! My parcel of goodies has just arrived and everything looks great.Thanks for the fantastic service and the free gift of vanilla oil!

We know that New Directions prides itself for high quality products but the company should also do so for the quality of its staff as well. The staff were educated and well trained and most importantly, you could tell that they loved what they do - the true foundation of a successful business.

Wow I received my large parcel today via Courier & to say that I am astonished is an understatement.All the products were carefully packaged & the aroma was blissful.I shall be ordering again & the other crazy nurse that I work with got all excited as well & we couldnt stop smelling the oils whilst we were meant to be working.I can't believe how potent the oils are & the soy candles are to die for.

Trina Angus - Melbourne

This is just a big thank you letter for having the most gorgeous and luscious products, I have just received what is my third order from New Directions and every product is of the best quality I think you can find, and I have tried and looked at other companies. Please keep up the standard and your customers will love you.

Nicola Bullock

A couple of weeks ago I received a broken bottle of Valerian which I am very sure was not your fault as I believe something extremely heavy landed on the box (possibly a tractor part) and I would like to thank you all for the great response in replacing the bottle. I have always thought you do a fantastic job at packaging and the efficiency demonstrated by replacement was excellent! Well done guys.

Vicki Wilson - Caduceus Health

I recently received an order from you - everything is great - thank you. It took me a while to find a company that could cater for all the bottles I wanted, without having to order millions of them. So it\'s fantastic that I found your company, thanks!

Jo Bell- Remedial Massage Therapist

Since meeting Cheryl and attending her workshops my business has taken off in leaps and bounds. She is truly an inspirational woman who I hold in very high esteem. Her product and ingredient knowledge is second to none and her passion for what she does is truly evident in the way to conducts each and every course. I have attended all of her courses and sometimes come back and repeat as I always learn something new from Cheryl. She gives each and every student 100% of her attention and will evdeavour to answer every question we may throw in her direction. Her giving does not end at 4pm on the day of class, she will give out her phone number and encourages her students to call is they have any questions relating to their business. I personally know that I can call on Cheryl at any time and she is always delighted to help. Her call beyond duty signified what a truly remarkable and giving person she is. I look forward to the year ahead working with Cheryl and the small group of regulars that come back time and again. We all think the world of her, crave her knowledge and thoroughly enjoy each and every time we all get together. I believe Cheryl is a truly valuable asset to the New Directions team. Thank you for giving us an amazing leader and teacher.

Tracey Gunn - Kertrae Products

Wanted to email you to thank you for such a fantastic workshop yesterday. I learned so much; it was fabulous to hear people in various stages of their business and network like that. I am really looking forward to my next workshops ... I am waiting for DIY Natural Plant Skincare Stage 1 so I can then do Stage 2!!

Clare - BBE Boutique

Thank you for your course last Saturday , Julie and i enjoyed it andfound it very informative.

I just received my first order from you and I am really impressed. The order was spot on and arrived less than a week after payment. The products are fantastic and I will definitely be ordering through you again in the future.

Amanda Barry

I just received my Jojoba 500ml oil which I ordered on Sunday night. I just wanted to say Thank you for such speedy service. Also for the free cucumber eye gel, a lovely little unexpected surprise which will come in handy with my first child due to arrive any day now.Thanks again and I will definitely shop with New directions again after such amazing service

Jenn Smith

I really enjoyed the first issue of RAW, any more?The monthly Newsletter is great to receive too.I just recently bought some bottles from you, thanks for your promptand efficient service.Thanks!

Michelle

The order has arrived today!Thank you for the prompt delivery and a special thank you for the lovely gift! What a lovely surprise.

Karen

Everything comes like retail but at wholesale prices, I was surprised how nicely things were packaged and labelled and they look amazing for my business, many people comment on the professional look of the packaging, as I display some in my glass cupboard so people know what I am using on them.I have been really pleased with the quality of the packaging and quality of the products so far from ND

Anonymous message via New Directions online forum

A quick note to let you know that I received my package last night - panic over.Thank you so very much for your quick action and sensitivity to my situation. It is employees like you that keep me so very loyal to New Directions. Why go elsewhere when the after sales service is second to none?

Kelly Ingram - KJEssentials

I just received your latest newsletter in my inbox and couldnt contain my excitement in regards to the launch of your Mineral Makeup! I am so excited that I had to email you to tell you that I will be the first amongst many to purchase these products!

Firstly I just wanted to say that I received my order today and was pleased at how quickly it was shipped and love the free cream gift too.

Sarah

Thanks for a terrific two days at the Basic Cosmetic Chemistry workshop. And thanks New Directions for making these workshops available.

Having never done science or chemistry, understanding the processes is a bit difficult. I have learned heaps. Thanks!

Fran Snowdon

I would like to let you all know I have been with you for a few years now and not only is my business starting to take off, but many thanks as what I am making with all your products is so beautiful my clients and custmors are so excited.

Sue Mosdall

A BIG THANKS FOR GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I am one of your customers that will be coming back for a long time Thank you

Sue Mosdall

Myself and many others who attended the Candle Making Workshop have kept in contact and we have all agreed how great it was to learn about candle making through New Directions. Andrew was so delightful and such a great teacher who provided us with great guidance at the Workshop. Andrew kindly provided us with his of wealth of candle making knowledge, excellent techniques, patience with the group and such a great sense of humour!I would definitely recommend anyone who was interested in this type of Workshop to go to New Directions for knowledge, guidance, quality products, packaging and most importantly good professional friendly service

Veronica - Leichhardt, Sydney

The Private Label Interactive course was eye opening to say the least. So much helpful information and specific guidance was given that has assisted me in putting things in place and shown me what steps to take for my small business to grow and develop.Thanks so much for your help

BlessingsJenny

Ordered some of the Mineral Makeup to try last week - arrived yesterday, tried it today- impressed! and the colours that appear on the brochure are really close to the actual colours themselves.Great stuff - will definitely be ordering some more!

Just wanted to give you some feedback of yesterday's workshop in Melbourne.OMG!!!! How fantastic was it!Melinda presented a professional, informative and insightful interactive that blew my mind. Not only is Melinda a brilliant facilitator, she brought alive the possibilities of my future.Also, the intellectual property in the room was amazing and I had the opportunity to network with some really switched on people.Thanks again for putting on a brilliant course as the cost was minimal for the info gained. Melinda is a wealth of knowlege and a really great facilitator.Debbie Lumley - VIC

I just wanted to let you know I attended Menlidas Private Label Interactive on Saturday in Melbourne, and it was great. A very informative session and plenty of interaction & discussion was simulated, and Melinda made sure she covered ALL our questions. Highly recommended ?I wish I had attended a year ago, it would have saved me so much time & heartache.Thanks Roksan Libinaki- VIC

I just wished to thank you so much for running the Private Label workshop in Melbourne last weekend ?Melinda was absolutely fabulous and an asset to your business.There is nothing like this in Melbourne and the 15 attendees were absolutely fascinated in the content of the course.Thanks indeed.Georgina Myrtle & Moss

I just wanted to pass on my thanks for the workshop which was held in Melbourne on Saturday. I think it is such a valuable service to offer new, potential and existing clients - I do hope you continue to hold workshops in Melbourne, and I would be most happy to be notified when you have new Melbourne dates in the future.I booked right at the last minute, but I wanted to say thanks for the way the course was processed and everyone has been such a pleasure to deal with, particularly yourself and Melinda.I look forward to our business relationship together if this is anything to go by.Jai Harvey-Yin - EzNailz Face & Body / Absolute Spa

Although I am a relatively new customer to NDA just wanted to say I have been blown away already by the level of professionalism and service ?received my packages with free gifts and your website is so user friendly keep up the great work Rose from KISSABELLA

I am a huge fan of New Directions. I started making my own body products several years ago as I emptied all the chemical component out of my beauty and cleaning routine and replaced it with natural ingredients. Your site was recommended to me by my friend who was a massage therapist. I started ordering raw ingredients and essential oils to make natural skincare products (firstly for myself and then for my family and friends). I haven't looked back. The response to the products was so positive that I ended up holding workshops to share my kitchen discoveries and pass on recipes to others.Lou Endicott

Over the last two or so years in using ND products I have passed on the web site details to many people to try your wonderful wares. And the response from those who have purchased through ND is always the same: I will order again! The shipment time is always quicker than expected, the staff on the phone very friendly and eager to help and the products are just divine. Not to mention the great prices!!Lou Endicott

I would like to congratulate you on the quality and efficiency of your eye serum. I am 56 years old and over the years have used various 'eye products' to get rid of wrinkles, discolouration, eye bags, etc.The morning after I first used your eye serum I noticed a difference in the hydration of my bottom eye lid and also a tightness around the eye bone, sorry I cant remember what that area is called.Marie Meier

As an ex beauty therapist, using Ella Bache and Sothys Products, and using other products like , Dermalogica, I can honestly say this is the first time I can see radical changes in the hydration of my lower eyelid.Anyway enough of my rambling, I will order other facial products from your website as well.thank you for a well priced and productive product.Marie Meier

I just wanted to give you feedack on the private label workshop I attended last saturday. Melinda was fantastic and answered all my questions. She is definitely a keeper! From the information and referrals i received on the day, I'm eagerly making progress to start my new little business adventure. I will be visiting Risdon International in sydney soon to have a chat to them about all their fragrant oils, im in the process of setting up my own website, and contacting a lawyer to fine-tune everything. But without the help from Melinda, I know I would not be so far ahead aready! Please thank her again for me and thank you for providing such an awesome workshop! Malcolm Brooks

just want to say again how thrilled I am doing business with you guys? main reasons .1-the quality of products are excellent2- the freebies are such a delight!3-and, the fast delivery?Unbelievable as it's always consistent! Here to many years of business Rose from Kissabella

Dear Cheryl,Thank you so much for your help when I was in your class last time. Please excuse me for the late email because since I returned Perth I was so busy in sorting out the problems to set up my business.When I settle down in my new business, I hope I can attend your class again! I am sure I will understand more because I bought 8 books about the DIY skin care products since I returned.So I have some idea of the ingredients now. Thanks again for your help! Your are such a nice person to meet! Stella - Perth